AN EBBW Vale-born professor whose research was globally admired and pioneered by Nasa has died at the age of 72.

Professor Mike Rowe, who was given an OBE by the Queen in 2007 for his services to technology, played a pivotal role in establishing thermoelectrics technology, which was influential in the production of nuclear-powered cardiac pacemakers.

His work was showcased at the United Nations climate change summit at Kyoto, and his research has been used by Nasa to provide on-board electrical power to deep space missions.

In recent years, car manufacturer Volkswagen unveiled Europe’s first family-sized car with a thermoelectric generator, using Prof Rowe’s research.

He also played a vital role in developing nanotechnology.

Prof Rowe was born in Ebbw Vale on May 19, 1939, the first-born of Alexander and Olivia. He studied at Ebbw Vale Grammar School and was described as “a gifted child who had a zest for life and a love of mathematics”.

Never satisfied with things “just working”, Prof Rowe was always keen to find out how things worked.

His family said: “He was a free spirit as a child and as a man. He loved life and got the most enjoyment from the simple things – the sun on his face and being outdoors.

“He had an incredible passion for his work and it was a joy to him – he felt he had everything a man could wish for.

“He was interested in people – all people – not for what they had, but for who they were.

“A rare quality, but he was a unique man.”

He is survived by his wife Barbara, his three daughters Rachael, Charlotte and Becci and eight grandchildren.

His funeral takes place on Monday, April 30, at noon at Glyntaff Crematorium, Pontypridd.

The family have requested for all donations be given to Cancer Research UK.